Mrs. June Grove

Marjorie June Grove, 87, of Bluffton, passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at her home. June had been a resident of Bluffton since 1948 and was well-known throughout Wells County for her long association with the News-Banner and for her involvement in community activities. June had been a feature writer for the News-Banner for nearly 40 years and had written more than 1,000 stories of human interest about people and places in Bluffton and Wells County. In addition to a weekly feature story, June also regularly wrote humor columns, including “Bumps in the Road” and “A Chat with Bratt.” She also wrote many feature stories about children involved with the Wells County Boys & Girls Club. A highlight of her reporting career came back in May of 1980 when she was given the opportunity to fly in an Indiana Air National Guard F-4 fighter jet with Lt. Col. Joe Briner as part of an interview and story she wrote about the Bluffton pilot. June was an active participant with the Wells County Boys and Girls Club and served on its executive board for many years. She also spearheaded for many years the local American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” annual fundraiser. June was also an avid volunteer at the Wells County Animal Shelter. June was born June 13, 1926 in Sulphur Springs, Indiana to George and Virginia (DeHart) Hunt. She graduated from Peru High School in 1944 and from Ball State Teachers College in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree in English. She graduated with a double major in English and history. She married Donald Jean Grove on Dec. 31, 1949 in Peru. He preceded her in death in October of 1995. June was a teacher at Bluffton Central Junior High School for several years before accepting a teaching position at Adams Central High School. She finished her teaching career at Bellmont High School. She also wrote feature stories at the Decatur Democrat newspaper for many years. She is survived by a son, Dr. Dana A. Grove and his wife, Trinh, of Oak Park, Ill., and two grandsons, Antony Grove of Kansas City, Mo., and Orion Grove of Oak Park, Ill. June was preceded in death by a son, Doug Grove, in 1978, and a brother, James Hunt. Family members will welcome June’s friends at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home on Saturday, April 5, 2014, from 2 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 2 p.m. with one hour calling before. Pastor Roger Abels will officiate. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be designated to the Wells County Boys & Girls Club. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com

Mrs. June Grove

June 13, 1926 - April 1, 2014